Maria Coelho, coordinator of B2E – CoLAB for Blue Bioeconomy, spoke to Visão magazine about the challenges and opportunities linked to the blue economy, with particular emphasis on the valorization of fish by-products. In the interview, conducted by journalist Luís Ribeiro, Maria Coelho presented the Fish Matter project, an innovative platform that aims to transform fish waste into high-value products.

Every year, millions of tons of fish are wasted worldwide, and Portugal, as one of the largest per capita consumers of fish, is among the countries where this problem is most acute. The canning industry, cod salting, and fish processors are responsible for generating large quantities of by-products, such as viscera, bones, skin, and scales, which could be reused instead of discarded.

The Fish Matter project aims to create a network connecting fish waste generators and processors with technology companies capable of transforming it into valuable raw materials. Maria Coelho explains that products such as mobile phone covers made from cod skin, collagen for cosmetics, or bioplastics derived from crustacean shells are just a few examples that illustrate the potential of a more circular and sustainable economy.

In the interview, the B2E CoLAB coordinator also highlighted the example of Iceland, where almost 100% of fish by-products are reused, and pointed out that in Portugal there are already initiatives that use this waste to produce high-quality biodiesel and collagen.

The Fish Matter platform, scheduled to launch in 2025, will use artificial intelligence algorithms to facilitate the creation of partnerships between stakeholders, thereby promoting greater value for by-products.

In addition, Maria Coelho addressed the growing role of aquaculture, emphasizing the need for technological innovation and overcoming stigmas related to this practice, which is essential to ensure the sustainability of fish production.

The full interview with Visão magazine can be read here.